Can opener



Nov. 3, 1936. H, E, KITTLE 2,059,367

CAN OPENER Filed Dec. 23, 1935 Harry .E'. llt'itle Patented Nov. 3, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE of oYne-half to Lewis M. Fowler,

St. Johnsville,

Application December 23, 1935, Serial No. 55,899

3 Claims.

This invention relates to cutlery and more particularly to can openers.

'I'he'primary object of this invention resides in the provision of a can opener adapted to either open small or large evaporated milk cans and provide a pouring lip and a'vent aperture therein as the top thereof is punctured.

Another object of this invention resides in the provision of a can opener of such construction that an evaporated milk can, of either the small or large size, is simultaneously punctured to provide a pouring lip on one side of the top of the can and a vent aperture diametrically opposite thereto. v

A further object of this invention resides in the provision of a can opener adapted to support the smaller size evaporated milk cans in the same relation to the puncturing elements thereof as that occupied by the larger size.

A still further object of this invention resides in the provision of an evaporated milk can opener adapted to be removably secured to a wall or other convenient support.

With these and other objects in view this invention resides in certain novel features of construction and arrangement of elements to be hereinafter fully set forth in the specification, illustrated in the accompanying drawing and pointed out in the appended claims and, while this disclosure depicts my present conception of the invention the right is reserved to resort to such changes in arrangement and construction as come within the scope of the claims.

' In the accompanying drawing forming a part of this application:

Fig. 1 is a side view. of a can opener as constructed in accordance with this invention, the lever being illustrated in raised or inactive position by full lines and in puncturing position by dotted lines.

Fig. 2 is a plan view thereof.

Fig. 3 is a detail sectional view approximately 1 on line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is a rear view of the upper portion of the bracket.

Fig. 5 is a side view of the can opener showing the removable shelf supported by thebracket.

Fig. 6 is a horizontal sectional view thereof approximately on line 66 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a top view of a can after being punctured by the can opener.

Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional view thereof approximately on line 8-8 of Fig. 7.

Figs. 9 and 10 are detail perspective views of vently perform the function of modified forms of puncturing knives associated with the lever. l

In the present illustration of this invention the numeral 5 designates a substantially L- shaped bracket preferably consisting of a base 5 plate 6 having its outer edge provided with an upstanding flange 1 and its perpendicular side -5' provided with oppositely extending wings 8 adapted to conform to the periphery of a can or 'other similarly shaped receptacle herein 10 designated by the letter C.

The aforesaid perpendicular side 5' of the bracket is preferably of arcuate configuration and is outwardly depressed as at 9 at its upper end so as to dispose its inner wall outwardly of the periphery of the can for a purpose to be hereinafter set forth.

- Suitably secured to the perpendicular side 5' of the bracket is a substantially V-shaped head in adapted to engage a plate l0 having an in- 2 verted V-shaped slot therein, said plate being secured to a suitable support.

Pivotally secured on the head it preferably above the uppermost edge of the perpendicular side 5' of the bracket is a lever M which is provided with a knife l2 adjacent the pivotal point thereof and spaced puncturing prongs l3 remote from its pivotal point, said prongs are preferably of different lengths and are disposed relative to the pivotal point of the lever so as to independpuncturing cans of different diameters.

In order to utilize the aforesaid can puncturing elements on the smaller size cans without adjustments or alterations, a base plate 6' is adapted to be removably secured to the perpendicular side 5' of the bracket as by inserting a substantially L-shaped lug 6" formed thereon through an aperture I4 formed in the perpendicular side 5' and, to retain the said base plate 6' at sub.- to stantially right angles to the. perpendicular side 5, downwardly extending ears 1'' are formed along the inner edges of the base plate 6' for engagement with that side of the perpendicular side 5' opposite the side engaged by the lug 6"; The base plate 6' is provided with an upstanding flange 1 at its outer edge to perform a function similar to that of flange 1.

Through the instrumentality of the aforesaid assemblage of elements means are provided whereby a milk can is not only punctured by either of the prongs l3 to form a vent therein but, as the lever is depressed, a pouring aperture having a lip L is formed in the can as the knife i2 presses the side of the can into the depression indicated at 9.

In Figs. 9 and 10 are shown modified forms of knives adapted to facilitate puncturing the cans to provide pouring apertures, the same being associated with the vent puncturing prongs as aforesaid.

With this invention fully described it is manifest that means are provided whereby cans of different diameters and heights can be punctured to simultaneously form pouring and vent apertures therein and, through coaction of the knife for forming the pouring aperture and the depression in the bracket, means are provided for forming a pouring lip on the can.

Having thus described my invention what I claim and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

1. In a can opener of the character set forth the combination of, a can supporting bracket, having a bending-restraining depression therein, a lever pivotally supported on the bracket, a puncturing knife carried by the lever and operatable within the bending-restraining depression of the bracket, vent puncturing prongs on the lever remote from the knife, and supporting means for the bracket.

2. In a can opener of the character set forth the combination of, a can supporting bracket having an aperture therein, a lever pivotally carried by the bracket, puncturing elements carried by the lever, a removable base plate, an upturned lug on the base plate for engaging the aperture in the bracket, ears on the base plate bearing against that side of the bracket opposite to the one engaged by the lug, and supporting means for the bracket.

3. In a can opener of the character set forth the combination of, a can supporting bracket having a depression therein, a lever pivoted on the bracket, a vent puncturing prong on the lever, and a substantially cylindrical puncturing knife on the lever adjacent the pivotal point thereof. 20

HARRY EARL KITTLE. 

